Epi on the Island Summer Courses 2015

6 -16 July 2015

MODULE 1:July 6th to July 10th

There has been a rapid rise over the last two decades in the use of time series studies in epidemiology, in particular to studies investigating whether daily or weekly mortality or morbidity counts depend on on air pollution or weather. Unlike most time series applications in other fields, which usually focus on forecast, here the focus is on estimation of a dependence, and the models can be considered regression models with some special features (Bhaskaran et al (2013), Int J Epidem42:1187-1195).

This 5-day course (schedule) concerns such “time series regression” models with the aim of enabling students to apply the methods to veterinary data. Topics covered will include methods to control for or explore seasonal and other temporal trends; autocorrelation; and lagged (delayed) effects, including distributed lag linear and non-linear models. We will consider methods for outcomes measured as counts and as continuous measures. The special cases of interrupted times series (for intervention evaluation) and for infectious diseases will also be considered. The course will in about equal part comprise lectures and tutored structured practical exercises using Stata, with extensive supplemental material available for R.

A 5-day intermediate to advanced course (schedule) on the analysis of time-to-event (survival) data. The course is organized in a series of lectures that will cover the basic of survival analysis and the introduction of more advanced topics such as frailty models and analysis of discrete survival data. The lectures will be alternated with computer labs to apply the concepts to practical examples. In addition, the participants will have the opportunity to discuss their own data and present a small project at the end of the course. General statistical concepts and methods covered in this course include survival and hazard functions, Kaplan-Meier plots, log-rank and related tests, the Cox proportional hazards model, extended Cox models for time-varying covariates, parametric models, and frailty models. The software used for instruction will be Stata and R.

REGISTRATION

Use the link below for the online registration. For each module, the following registration fees apply (amounts are in $Cdn and include taxes and administration fees):

Participant

Up to May 31st

After May 31st

Student*

550

650

Non-student

850

950

*Proof of enrollment in a graduate program at a university (not necessarily UPEI) required

A discount of 10% will be offered for participants taking both Module 1 and Module 2. Refunds will be allowed before June 31st subject to 20% of administration withholding fee.

Note: In order to get the 10% discount if taking the two courses, be sure to enter the following code:2weeksat the time of registration – don’t forget to click Apply – under promotional code in the online registration webpage.

ACCOMMODATION

Participants will have to book their own accommodations. Below you will find information on places to stay by visiting links to our Tourism PEI website and on campus residences. Please contact the hotel or residence directly to book your accommodation.

The Tourism PEI (http://www.tourismpei.com/index.php3) website will provide you with links to a variety of accommodations across the Island as well as information on places to eat, festivals and events and things to do during your stay.

The UPEI Campus offers residence rooms to conference participants. Choose from one of three UPEI residences, each with its own unique style and amenities. Residence accommodations include free parking, local telephone access, a bed linen and towel exchange service, and 24 hour security. (http://www.upei.ca/conference/accommodations)